Romanov Restaurant & Lounge Restaurant Review

: From its onion dome exterior to a truly grand chandelier and antique tea samovars, Romanov's Russian décor is impressive. The Fabergé egg motif is everywhere, from a $2,800 bottle of vodka to meticulous reproductions of lamps. Chef Mark Murillo, previously at Saddle Peak Lodge, may not seem like a good fit here until you realize Romanov sees itself not as a traditional Russian restaurant, but as a modern Russian steakhouse. Sure, there's borscht, and a credible version as it had to meet with the approval of the owner's Muscovite mother. Smoked salmon and crème fraîche top homemade blini, and decent renditions of other standard Russian appetizers including caviar are on the menu, too. The steak isn't worthy of a place billing itself as a steakhouse, though, but the thick and tender pork chop is just fine. If the tariff seems high for a less than stellar meal, come for the live music on weekends and sample a trio of vodkas from the collection at the bar, complete with traditional Russian snacks on the side.